Land Rover2009–2013

Discovery 4 Discovery 3.0 SDV6/TDV6: Common faults & known problems

Common faults & known problems

19 known faults documented in workshop bulletins. Of these, six concern the engine and fuel system and four the steering. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.

Updated Technical specifications

Engine & fuel system

6 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Vibration through vehicle when engine idling and AC compressor cutting in and out

Overview

Affects
All models with 306DT engine code: Discovery 4: VIN AA510178→. Range Rover Sport: VIN AA212145→.
Remedy
Software update

Cause

Engine control module (ECM) software fault.

Repair

  1. Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
  2. If no fault(s) found: Re-program engine control module (ECM) with upgraded software.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 6.

Lack of power

Affects All models with 306DT engine code: Discovery 4: VIN AA510178-AA521884. Range Rover Sport: VIN AA212145-AA226173.Fit new part

Symptoms

Engine runs in limp home mode. Trouble codes stored: P22D3-77, P22CF-71.

Cause

Turbocharger (TC) vane position actuator sticking.

Repair

  1. Fit new turbocharger (TC) vane position actuator.
Parts1 part
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Turbocharger (TC) vane position actuatorLR0205881

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 8.

Loss of engine power when ambient air temperature is below 0°C

Affects All models with 306DT/448DT engine codes: Discovery 4: VIN AA510178→. Range Rover: VIN BA334433→. Range Rover Sport: VIN AA212145→.

Symptoms

Message centre displays 'restricted performance'. Trouble codes related to engine management stored in fault memory.

Cause

Frozen turbocharger (TC) intercooler resulting in restricted air flow to intake system.

Repair

  1. Block off lower section of turbocharger (TC) intercooler using a suitable blanking piece.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 9.

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated

Affects All models with 306DT engine code, 2011.

Symptoms

Lack of power.

Cause

Turbocharger (TC) wastegate regulating valve vacuum pipe 'T' piece blocked.

Repair

  1. Renew all 'T' pieces in TC wastegate regulating valve vacuum pipe.
Parts1 part
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
'T' pieceLR0294155

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 13.

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated. Trouble code stored: P242D-00

Overview

Affects
All Euro V emission level models with 3.0 Diesel engine, 2010-13.
Remedy
Software update

Symptoms

Lack of power.

Cause

Engine control module (ECM) software fault.

Repair

  1. Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
  2. If no fault(s) found: Re-program engine control module (ECM) with upgraded software.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 14.

Lack of power. Trouble code stored in engine control module (ECM) fault memory: P2452

Overview

Affects
All models with 3.0 Diesel engine, VIN DA652215-DA699715.
Fault codes
P2452
Remedy
Software update

Cause

Engine control module (ECM) software fault.

Repair

  1. Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
  2. If no fault(s) found: Re-program ECM with upgraded software. Note: To carry out an effective repair a software upgrade will be required - refer to manufacturer.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 15.

Electrical & ignition

2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

TPMS warning lamp illuminated

Affects All models: Discovery 4: VIN LA510178→. Range Rover: VIN LM302697→. Range Rover Sport: VIN LS212145→.Fit modified part

Symptoms

TPMS warning message displayed in multifunction display. Trouble codes related to TPMS stored in fault memory.

Cause

Signal interference from alternator.

Repair

  1. Fit modified TPMS sensors.
Parts1 part
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
TPMS sensorLR031713, or LR0317125

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 3.

Intermittent self-activation of alarm system siren

Affects All models.Fit new part

Symptoms

Audible warning sounds when locking vehicle. Bonnet open warning message displayed in instrument panel.

Cause

Bonnet switch faulty.

Repair

  1. Fit new bonnet switch. Bonnet switch integral to bonnet latch.
Parts1 part
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Bonnet switchLR0543311

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 12.

Brakes

3 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Hesitation when accelerating at low vehicle speed

Affects All models with 276DT/306DT/368DT engine codes: Discovery 4: VIN AA513326→. Range Rover Sport: VIN AA215623→.

Cause

Brake pedal position (BPP) switch incorrectly adjusted.

Repair

  1. Check adjustment of brake pedal position (BPP) switch.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 2.

Excessive heat build up in rear brakes

Overview

Affects
All models with electric parking brake (EPB): Discovery 3: VIN 5A000259→. Discovery 4: VIN AA513326→. Range Rover Sport: VIN 5A900106→.
Remedy
Software update

Symptoms

Electric parking brake (EPB) warning lamp illuminated. Squeal from rear brakes when driving. Squeal from rear brakes when electric parking brake (EPB) is operated. Trouble codes stored: C1A43, C1A53, C1A46.

Cause

Parking brake shoes binding.

Parking brake shoes seizing due to build up of debris.

EPB control module software fault.

Repair steps

  1. Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
  2. Ensure parking brake shoes are correctly adjusted.
  3. If no fault(s) found: Re-program EPB control module with upgraded software.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 7.

Front brake judder

Front brake disc distortion. Fix: fit a modified part.

Overview

Affects
All models: Discovery 4: VIN AA513326-AA555717. Range Rover Sport: VIN AA215623-AA276763.
Remedy
Fit modified part

Repair steps

  1. Fit new front brake discs.
  2. Check front brake disc runout. If front brake disc runout is greater than 0.03 mm: Remove front brake discs. Check front hub runout. If front hub runout is greater than 0.014 mm: Replace front hubs. Fit front brake discs.
  3. Fit modified front brake pads.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 10.

Suspension & drivetrain

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Knocking noise from front suspension when driving over uneven surfaces

Overview

Affects
All models.
Parts
1 part

Symptoms

Knocking noise from front suspension when braking at low speed.

Cause

Excessive play in front suspension lower arm rear bush.

Repair

  1. Replace front suspension lower arm rear bush on both sides.
  2. Check front wheel alignment and adjust if necessary.
Parts1 part
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Suspension lower arm rear bushLR0674942

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 16.

Steering

4 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Squeaking noise from steering column when steering wheel turned

Insufficient lubrication of power steering rack pinion oil seal. Fix: fit a new part.

Overview

Affects
All models, VIN 000259-485435.
Remedy
Fit new part

Repair steps

  1. Remove power steering rack.
  2. Fit new power steering rack pinion oil seal. Use special tool: 308-518.
  3. Refit power steering rack.

Parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Power steering rack pinion oil seal kitLR0105451

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 1.

Non start

Affects All models, 2010 MY: Discovery 4: VIN AA528400-AA539400. Range Rover Sport: VIN AA235080-AA248600.B1026Fit modified part

Symptoms

Message centre displays 'steering column locked'. Trouble codes stored: B1026-12, B100D-87.

Cause

Instrument panel faulty.

Repair

  1. Fit modified instrument panel.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 5.

Steering wheel vibration when driving

Overview

Affects
All models, VIN AA513326→.
Remedy
Fit modified part

Cause

Flat spot on tyre.

Wheels out of balance.

Front suspension lower arm bush faulty.

Power steering rack faulty.

Defective steering wheel.

Repair

  1. Check tyre condition, tyre pressure and wheel balance.
  2. If fault still present: Fit new front suspension lower arm bushes. Fit new power steering rack. Fit modified steering wheel.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 11.

Steering heavy

Affects All models.Fit new part

Symptoms

Noise from steering column when driving over uneven surfaces or when manoeuvring or parking.

Cause

Water ingress into steering column lower universal joint causing corrosion.

Repair

  1. Fit new steering column lower shaft.
Parts2 parts
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Steering column lower shaft - RHDLR0711461
Steering column lower shaft - LHDLR0711471

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 17.

Air conditioning & heating

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

AC/heater outlet air temperature does not correspond to setting

Poor sealing of in-car temperature sensor air intake ducting allowing air to escape.

Overview

Affects
All models.

Repair steps

  1. Remove in-car temperature sensor air intake ducting assembly.
  2. Fit foam pad to in-car temperature sensor air intake ducting. Ensure foam pad covers edges of air intake ducting.
  3. Refit in-car temperature sensor air intake ducting assembly.

Parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Foam padETD 5005501

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 19.

Body & trim

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Clock cannot be set to correct time

Overview

Affects
All models with analogue clock: Discovery 4: VIN 510178-525032. Range Rover Sport: VIN 212145-230615.
Remedy
Software update

Cause

Multifunction control module software fault.

Repair

  1. Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
  2. If no fault(s) found: Re-program multifunction control module with upgraded software.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 4.

Other

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Cracking noise from left hand speakers in DAB mode

Overview

Affects
All models with digital audio broadcast (DAB) audio unit.
Remedy
Software update

Cause

Digital audio broadcast (DAB) control module software fault.

Repair

  1. Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
  2. If no fault(s) found: Re-program digital audio broadcast (DAB) control module with upgraded software. Note: To carry out an effective repair a software upgrade will be required - refer to manufacturer.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 18.

Glossary

Technical terms used in this guide.

ECM
Engine control module — the electronic unit that manages the engine
VIN
Vehicle identification number — 17 characters, found at the base of the windscreen and on the V5C logbook
Trouble Codes
Standardised fault codes stored by the engine control module, read with a diagnostic tool
BPP
Brake pedal position — the switch behind the pedal that triggers the brake lights
DAB
Digital audio broadcast — digital radio
EPB
Electric parking brake — an electronic handbrake, operated by a switch rather than a lever
TC
Turbocharger — the exhaust-driven compressor that boosts engine power
TPMS
Tyre pressure monitoring system — warns if a tyre is under-inflated
Actuator
A motor or solenoid that moves a mechanical part on command
Control Module
A control unit for one of the vehicle's systems (engine, gearbox, brakes, body, and so on)
Disc Runout
How much a brake disc wobbles; too much causes vibration or squeal
Fault Memory
The list of stored trouble codes in a control module
In-Car Temperature
The cabin-temperature sensor used by the climate control
Instrument Panel
The dashboard display that shows warning lights and messages
Intercooler
A radiator that cools the air coming out of the turbocharger before it enters the engine
Limp Home
A protective mode that limits power so the vehicle can be driven to a workshop
Message Centre
The information display in the instrument panel that shows warning messages
Multifunction Control Module
The control module that runs shared electrical functions (lights, wipers, locking, and so on)
Pinion Oil Seal
The seal on a differential pinion shaft — a common source of oil leaks
Re-Program
Update the software on a control module using the manufacturer's diagnostic tool
Steering Column Locked
The electronic steering lock has engaged — the column will not turn until the key is recognised
Wastegate Regulating Valve
The valve that controls the turbocharger's wastegate, and so the boost pressure
Alternator
The unit that charges the battery while the engine is running
Bonnet Switch
The switch that tells the alarm whether the bonnet is open
Bush
A rubber mounting that lets a suspension or body joint move without metal-to-metal contact
Bushes
Rubber mountings that let a suspension or body joint move without metal-to-metal contact
Lower Arm
A suspension link that locates the wheel at the bottom of the hub
Universal Joint
A flexible coupling in a driveshaft that lets it bend as the suspension moves

Frequently asked questions

What are the common faults with the Land Rover Discovery 4 Discovery 3.0 SDV6/TDV6?

This guide contains 19 workshop bulletins for the Land Rover Discovery 4 Discovery 3.0 SDV6/TDV6. Of these, six concern the engine and fuel system and four the steering. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.

Does every Land Rover Discovery 4 Discovery 3.0 SDV6/TDV6 have these faults?

No. These are patterns documented across the model by workshops, not predictions for an individual vehicle. Where a fault applies only to certain vehicles or VIN ranges, that is listed with the fault.

Can I check for Land Rover Discovery 4 Discovery 3.0 SDV6/TDV6 faults myself?

Many of them. The documented symptoms can be seen, heard or felt during a test drive.

Related guides

Glossary term

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